Glaesel Student Model VA10 Viola

As the string maker that helped define the standards by which all others are measured, Kurt Glaesel helped develop the MENC specification for string instrument shop adjustment. Today, these instruments follow the same standard with a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. Glaesel’s European built bodies are completely shop adjusted in Cleveland, Ohio to ensure the highest level of performance.

"Expertly made in Germany with respected traditions and old world craftsmanship. Fully shop adjusted and set up in the USA by hand in our Cleveland Ohio facility by our skilled craftsmen to meet or exceed MENC (school requirements) for student instruments to give the player the best possible performance experience and inspiration. The solid carved spruce top provides an excellent sound board. The flamed maple back and sides enhance greater projection, a refined tonal quality and visual appeal. True ebony pegs and fingerboard (not stained hardwood) facilitates reliable function and playability for many years. Full hand inlaid purfling (not painted) protects the solid top and back plates from splitting damage and demonstrates an attention to detail that other brands overlook. USA installed Thomastik Dominant strings provide a better tonal quality, longer string life and maximum playability for the advancing player. The delicately applied spirit varnish allows the top to resonate more freely to enhance the tone and projection of the instrument. Professionally set up with 1 axle style fine tuner to compliment this advancing student instrument. A fiberglass bow gives the student a reliable camber without warping. The Mongolian horsehair ensures that the rosin adheres well and gives an even draw to the bow across the strings. The tough student friendly thermoplastic case with aluminum valance is an industry standard to protect the instrument from weather elements and minor mishaps. (available as DLX = oblong case and wood bow) "

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The German string instrument tradition traces its origins to Jacob Stainer, noted as being the earliest and best known luthier of his time. Until the early 19th century, when power and brilliance became the fashion in violin performance, Stainer’s instruments were more highly praised than Stradivari’s. One of his pupils, Matthias Klotz, became the first in a long line of luthiers. For the next 200 years members of the Klotz family refined and perfected their craft, contributing to the famous German Mittenwald School of violin making.

The Glaesel family story begins in 1720 during the lifetime of Stradivari and Matthias Klotz. Since that time, 48 descendants of the Glaesel family (spanning over 250 years) followed the calling to bowed stringed instruments. Generations of Glaesels have studied at the famous Mittenwald School. In addition to creating fine instruments, other members of the Glaesel family received distinction for specializing in bows and instrument restoration.

Kurt G. Glaesel studied at Mittenwald under the direction of Matthias Klotz. After working in a number of prominent shops in Holland, Switzerland, and Germany, he came to the United States in 1953. Here he established his criteria for full shop adjustment. Full shop a djustment is the process by which imported instruments are assembled, finished, and tested for consistency and strict adherence to quality standards. Students greatly benefit from the availability of affordable instruments crafted in the old world tradition. Kurt Glaesel was even invited by MENC (Music Educators National Conference) to help write their specification standards for acceptable student instruments.

In 1977, the Glaesel String Instrument Service, located in Cleveland, Ohio was sold to The Selmer Company. Glaesel instruments are still meticulously shop adjusted in Cleveland. Today, Tim Masterson, the string shop manager continues Glaesel’s tradition and quality, having studied directly with Kurt Glaesel himself.